How to Find the Right Newborn Photographer

There are a lot of things to consider when looking for a newborn photographer. Some considerations are fun, such as finding a style and aesthetic you desire. Others, such as making sure your photographer is licensed or insured, are more stale, but of the utmost importance.

Here's a quick rundown of everything you should ask when selecting the right newborn photographer for you and your family:

1) Did someone recommend them? The easiest way to find a newborn photographer is to ask family and friends. Did someone you know have a great experience with a local photographer? If they can show you their entire gallery of photos, that is a bonus! Thanks to Facebook and other social media, it is much easier for photographers to reach friends and families. Ask around!

2) Are they licensed and insured? Small business are required to register with the county and all newborn photographers should carry insurance. Accidents happen, even to the best of the best! Insurance is not only important to protect the photographer and their equipment, but to protect you and your family as well.

3) How knowledgable are they about newborn safety? There are many factors in considering newborn safety. What precautions does the photographer take before and during your session? If this photographer will be posing your baby, have they taken any workshops to learn how to pose your baby safely? Your baby should never be out of hands reach and if the photographer doesn’t have a spotter, will Mom or Dad be responsible for spotting during prop photos?

Some of the cutest newborn poses are done as a composite, meaning the final picture is actually multiple photos combined in Photoshop. The photographer never takes their hands off your baby, but it may appear your baby is laying on a swing or holding their own head up in their hands.

Other safety precautions are a personal preference. Does the photographer wash all blankets, wraps, and bonnets in between sessions? Since they will be handling your tiny baby for a few hours, is your photographer up to date on their vaccinations? What is their sick policy? Do they allow siblings in their studio if they are sick?

4) Do you like their style? Photographers are artists and each photographer has their own style. When browsing a photographers website, do you see the types of newborn photos that you are looking for? If you want to use a lot of props during your newborn session, you need to find a photographer that has those types of photos on their website. If you like bright colors or neutrals do you see lots of color or neutrals on their website?

5) Do you prefer in-home or studio session? Are you looking for a photographer who offers in-home newborn sessions or would you prefer to have photos done in a studio? What types of photos does the photographer offer in home vs in their studio?

6) Is it worth the investment? Once you make sure the photographer is licensed and insured, meets all your expectations in regards to newborn safety, and you love their style, what do they charge? There is a wide range of pricing for newborn photography. Pricing depends on the experience, education, equipment, and your market. What does the fee include? Some photographers charge a session fee and then will meet with you after your session to let you order digital images and products. Other photographers are all-inclusive, which means their fee includes the session and digital images. Plus, additional costs such as new outfits, rented props, or babysitters for siblings should be taken into account. It can add up quickly, but you also want to remember the value of these precious memories being captured for eternity.

This is a guest post written by Katy Hayes. Katy Hayes is a maternity, newborn, and family photographer located in Northern Virginia. Katy offers posed newborn and milestone sessions throughout the first year in her home studio located in the South Riding/Ashburn area. She offer's in-home lifestyle newborn sessions and on-location maternity and family photography sessions throughout Loudoun County and Fairfax County.